Alchemist is the debut full-length album from Alexander IV, the jazz-influenced beat project of Dutch producer and multi-instrumentalist Joris Feiertag. Known for his club-ready solo productions under the name Feiertag , this project sees Joris stepping into a more introspective and cinematic space—merging beat culture with live musicianship, sample-based craftsmanship, and a deep love for soul and jazz. The album is a carefully sequenced, 13-track journey through textured instrumentals and vocal collaborations, drawing inspiration from artists like Mr. Scruff, Thievery Corporation, Kruder & Dorfmeister, SAULT, and Khruangbin . From dusty drum breaks to dubbed-out horns, from soulful toplines to hypnotic rhythm guitars, Alchemist feels like both a beat tape and a full-band session—intimate, spacious, and richly detailed. “ I took small pieces of sound and turned them into something whole ,” says Joris. “ Chopping, isolating drums, reversing parts, slowing things down… one of the things I’m most proud of is the detail. Even the smallest quotes and samples are intentional — everything aligns.” The album opens with “Touch of Gold” , a cinematic instrumental that flips from lush jazz into gritty hip-hop in a matter of bars. The mood deepens on tracks like “All I Have to Say” (inspired by Mr. Scruff ), “ Génie ” , and “Palau” , which draw on crate-digging traditions and lo-fi jazz sensibilities. Elsewhere, the storytelling shifts into collaborative song territory. Notable vocal features include Cézanne ( “This Won’t Do” ), Oli Hannaford ( “Time of Day” ), Pete Josef ( “Long Way from Home” ), and spoken word legend Ursula Rucker ( “Now, Pause…” ). These songs bring lyrical weight and emotional dimension to the record, with influences ranging from neo-soul and bossa nova to Afrobeat and modern UK jazz. Alchemist is more than a genre exercise—it’s an emotional, hand-crafted reflection on process, patience, and the magic of collaboration. As its title suggests, it’s about turning raw ingredients into gold.
